COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR SUSAN NEFF

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 001355 SIPDIS SIPDIS NASA/GSFC: TAMMY POSEY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TSPA OTRA NL SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR SUSAN NEFF REF: SECSTATE 98070 ¶1. The Hague grants country clearance to Susan Neff from the NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to travel to the Netherlands on July 10-18, 2006. The purpose of the travel is to attend and present a paper at the Fate of gas in the galaxies conference at the National Institute for Astronomy Instrumentation (ASTRON). ¶2. As per reftel, no assistance is required. SECURITY ADVISORY: ¶3. Since July 9, 2004, the Dutch Government has implemented heightened security measures in response to concerns of terrorist activity. U.S. citizens in the Netherlands are encouraged to monitor media reports, and are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. ¶4. Tensions in the Netherlands are high, sparked by the November 2, 2004 murder of a Dutch film producer known for his outspoken criticism of Islam; and by the November 10, 2004 raid on a home of suspected terrorists, which led to an all-day standoff and ended with the arrest of three individuals and non-fatal injuries to the suspects and the police. Subsequent arrests were made in connection to this raid and further investigation revealed that these suspects had ties to known terrorist groups. These events initiated a GoN-wide overhaul of its Counter-Terrorism measures, including providing more resources to combat violent Islamic radicalism. There have been a series of protests and arson attacks directed at mosques and Islamic schools in the Netherlands, plus retaliatory actions against several churches. American citizens should bear in mind that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. ¶5. The U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the heightened possibility of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. As noted in the Department of State's Worldwide Caution of September 10, 2004, terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Such targets may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, including residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels and public areas. Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, assassination, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings. These may involve aviation and other transportation and maritime interests. ¶6. An area of concern for visitors to the Netherlands is crime. Most crimes against official Americans are limited to pick-pocketing and purse and luggage theft. Theft from automobiles and hotel rooms are not unknown. Recently, theft of laptop computers has increased, especially at Schiphol Airport and major train stations. The thieves operate in small groups that target travelers. They are determined and well-practiced at distraction theft. Official travelers have been victimized, losing personal or unclassified government computers, software and data. SIPDIS Travelers are reminded that regulations require the use of the diplomatic pouch for shipment of classified equipment and information. ¶7. Streets can be walked in relative safety but, as in any U.S. urban area, caution and vigilance should be exercised especially after dark in the more populated cities of The Hague, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Red-light districts and public transportation hubs are common locations for incidents of street crimes. ¶8. For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web sit at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Cautions, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free I the U.S., line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). BLAKEMAN